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House of Representatives
Session of 2017 - 2018 Regular Session

MEMORANDUM

Posted:	April 13, 2017 12:12 PM
From:	Representative Michael K. Hanna
To:	All House members
Subject:	Providing a reasonable application fee for small projects in floodways

In the near future, I plan to introduce legislation that would provide a reasonable application fee for a permit to construct, maintain, test, repair or replace small structures (water obstructions and encroachments) located in a floodway. In February 2013, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) revised its application fees for general permits and water obstruction and encroachment permits, removing the $100 small project fee. Currently, DEP’s fees for water obstruction and encroachment permits begin at $1,750. In addition, depending on the project, temporary or permanent disturbance fees are added to the base fee. A temporary disturbance fee is $4,000 per acre (or $400 per .10 acre) and the permanent fee is $8,000 per acre (or $800 per .10 acre). We must establish a more reasonable application fee for projects that create minimal land disturbance within a floodway. Homeowners, small businesses and municipalities constructing a small structure in a floodway should not be subject to these exorbitant fees which, at times, cost more than the small construction project. Please join me in sponsoring this simple but much needed proposal. Thank you in advance for your consideration. If you have any questions, please contact Lynette Perkins via e-mail at LMPerkins@pahouse.net or via phone at 717-772-2283.

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